The 10 Hip Hop artists who started in combos that no one knows anymore. Or does no. 4 ring a bell?

A group is stronger than a single person. Whats true for every youngster also applies on rap artists. Some of the most known rappers started in a combo and choosed to try it solo later. The most prominent examples are shown in our top 10!

10. Lil’ Kim (Junior M.A.F.I.A.)

Not only was she the only female member of Junior M.A.F.I.A., she is also the only female rapper in our list. She definitely earned it due to her international success.

Respect to those who say no to a career in the NBA and tries his luck as rapper. Either Nelly had enormous luck or foresight. At least when you look at the way he made since then.

8. Tupac (Digital Underground)

No matter if you count Tupac as real memeber of Digital Underground or not, he was a pretty impressive figure in the rao game. Who makes it from background dancer to one of the most influential hip hop artists of all time earned his place in our top 10 for sure.

7. Notorious B.I.G. (Junior M.A.F.I.A.)

Junior M.A.F.I.A. even made it twice into our list. When two such legendary artists belonged to it, this is ok we think.

6. Frank Ocean (Odd Future)

One could see Odd Future as through station for Frank Ocean from songwriter to solo artist. Nevertheless Odd Future is more than Frank Ocean when you think of Tyler, the Creator who also belonged to it.

5. Eminem (D12)

Most people have forgotten about D12. Eminem surely did not. Although D12 never reallly made it, Eminem didn’t forget where his roots are.

4. Jadakiss (The LOX)

The LOX is history, Jadakiss and Styles P aren’t. No matter if solo or together. They even came to short term fame with a feature for Jennifer Lopez to prove her street credibility (you know, it’s “Jenny from the block”).

3. Questlove (Soulquarians)

To be honest, no one knows the Soulquarians but they produced some of the most honorable personalities of hip hop. Namely D’Angelo and Erykah Badhu. While these both pursued their solo careers, Questlove just founded the next legendary crew: The Roots!

2. Busta Rhymes (Leaders of the New School)

Believe it or not, even Busta was young once. How young can be seen in the videos of the Leaders of the New School. In these times he didn’t have the sich double time skills he is known for today. A good example how everybody started slow once.

1. Talib Kweli (Black Star)

It’s not surprising that two of the best conscious rappers of their generation started together once. Mos Ded and Talib Kweli show that you can start and continue your career on high level and even level up more. Combined with an excellent taste in great beats. This is why we have to give you three videos you must have seen and three tracks you must have heard: